244 Of the proper Improvement S E R M. of a vaftly higher nature and confideration X. to the main ends of our being, than thofe of the body, and the former (hall endure, when the others are quite perifhed. The principal defign of providence in this whole conftitution, is, that the foul fhoul.d be put into the natural body for a time, fhort, when compared with the whole of its duration, under difcipline, that acting a good part in this firft frage, improving its own intellec- tual and moral powers, maintaining its fu- periority over the animai nature, and prac- tifing virtue, in oppofition to infirmities and temptations, it might be prepared for ano- ther ftate, a fiate of perfe Lion and happinefs. What an important change then doth death make ? It finifhes all the advantages and difadvantages of our prefent condition. The light of the living is withdrawn, and we are removed into the land of forgetf ùlnefs. No more pleafure is conveyed by the eyes, or any other organs of fenfation, no more fatisfation arifes from the conveniencies and ornaments of life, from fi-iendfhips, rela- tions, or focial communication with any of mankind in this world ; no more opportu- nity of fighting, what the fcripture calls the good fight, of working out our faivation, and of
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